Here is a collection of the various character sets for marking variables and optional text. They are listed from the simplest to the most complex:

VARIABLES:

Simple variable: [Client Name];[quantity]

MultiChoice variable: [*states*] (Maintain list via Instant Database Tools)

Multiple choice variable: [chocolate/vanilla/strawberry]

Titled variable:  [Special Order:Yes/No/Not Applicable]  . . .  [Priority Mail:Yes/No/Not Applicable]

Grouped variables:

 [!client!he/her/they]

 [!client!his/hers/theirs]

OPTIONAL/OPTIONS TEXT BLOCKS (simplified)

Simple Optional Text (Only braces only are required. No other features available.)

 {Shipping included in cost}

Simple Options text (Braces and '/OR' dividers are required. No other features available.)

 {Shipping included in cost/ORShipping Costs Extra}

  Simple Options text with reference to MultiChoice *List*.

  {*children*}

OPTIONAL/OPTIONS TEXT BLOCKS (standard, with 'questions' and 'groups' features available.)

   The setup for <<*Options*/*Optional*>> text blocks is not without its complexities. Compared with the setup required by competitive programs, however, it is undeniably simpler. Because it is plain text, you don’t have to fish around for the right field coding and switches. And when you actually see it ‘on screen,’ it makes even more sense.

   The precise placement of the various characters that make up the blocks is mandatory. Without the right characters properly placed, Pathagoras will not be able to dissect and process the text. Not to worry too much, however. After the discussion of ‘anatomy,’ we will show you how to activate a screen which will automate the creation of <<*Options*/*Optional*>> blocks.

<<*Options*>> block (up to 6 choices separated by slashes):

<<*Options* I have one minor child./I have no children./I have __ minor children.>>

(Note: Opening brackets—the red is only for emphasis; the word “options” surrounded by asterisks, and the options list separated by slashes. The text of the options will appear on a selection form during document assembly process. Don’t forget the closing brackets.)

 

  <<*Options*>> block with reference to MultiChoice *List*

<<*Options**children*.>>

<<*Options*>> block with “Questions" (up to 6 choices and 6 responses)”

<<*Options*Is there one child?/ Are there no children?/Are there two or more children?* I have one minor child to whom I give, devise and bequeath the remainder of my estate./I have no children./I have [number of children] minor children to whom I give, devise and bequeath the remainder of my estate, in equal shares.>>

(Notes: The question — which need not actually be a question — is any text set out between the second and third asterisks. The questions will appear on the selection form during document assembly process.)

<<*Options*>> with groups: 

<<*Options*!Children! I have one minor child./I have no children./I have __ minor children.>>

<<*Options*!Children! I give the remainder of my estate to my  child./I give the remainder of my estate to the following persons. /I give the remainder of my estate in equal shares to my children, per stirpes.>>

(Notes: The Group name (in this case “!Children!”) is set out between exclamation marks immediately after the second asterisk. Once a selection of the first group encountered has been made, all other options blocks with the same group name will be ‘handled’ in the same fashion. )

 

<<*Options*>> with group and questions:

<<*Options*!Children!Is there one child?/Are there no children?/Are there two or more children?* I have one minor child./I have no children./I have __ minor children.>> 

<<*Options*!Children!* I give the remainder of my estate to my child./I give the remainder of my estate to the following persons./I give the remainder of my estate in equal shares to my children, per stirpes.>>

(Notes: Once the first Options group is encountered and question answered, Pathagoras will automatically process the remaining blocks with the same group name. The selection is made using the same positions in the list. Because the processing is done automatically, you do not need to repeat the question for subsequent members of the same group.)

 

<<*Optional*>>:

 <<*Optional*You may also pick up your block of cement from our help desk between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.>>

<<*Optional*>> with question:

 <<*Optional*Is pickup available?*You may also pick up your block of cement from our help desk between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.>>

<<*Optional*>> with groups and question:

 <<*Optional*!pickup!Is pickup available?*You may also pick up your block of cement from our help desk between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.>> (body text . . .body text)

       <<*Optional*!pickup!*Be sure bring a crane with you.>>

 

You can have only six *Options* in an <<*Options*>> block. There are practical reasons for this, not the least of which is the amount of screen 'real estate' that is needed to display the various options in the Options dialog. There are, however, two good 'work arounds' to this limit.